Review: Corigliano Concerto: NYC

Schultz takes a bow with Corigliano and Seto

“Mr. Corigliano was in attendance and was invited to the stage to speak about his work prior to the performance. What a treat it was for all to have this living legend impart his wisdom with such clarity and detail. I am not going to repeat all he said, but one can read the program notes (written by Mr. Corigliano), which cover everything he said, but in even greater detail.

This concerto is not for the faint of heart. I believe one commentator called it “fiendishly difficult,” which is almost a laughable understatement. I took a look at the solo part and my first impression was, “This is impossible!” Of course, it’s not impossible, but to pull it off, some super-virtuosity is a must. Mr. Schultz asserted his ability in no uncertain terms. His rapid passage work was articulated with clarity and wide leaps were negotiated at high speed without any loss of tonal clearness. He displayed mastery of extended techniques and a rich, singing tone in all registers and dynamic levels, including the extreme high register. I have often heard even excellent clarinetists struggle with a stridency of tone and loss of intonation in the extreme high register (“squeaking”). Not so with Mr. Schultz. He is a force!

Highights abound, but I am going to focus on my favorites. The brilliant Cadenzas wereplayed by Mr. Schultz with quicksilver artistry. Elegy, with the dialogue between the solo clarinet and the concertmaster was heartbreakingly poignant, leaving a feeling of desolation that lingered without any healing resolution. The finale, Antiphonal Toccata, was an adrenaline rush, bursting with drama and relentless momentum. Mr. Schultz more than held his own against the orchestra.

Let’s give Maestro Seto and the Chelsea Sypmphony their due. The orchestra part is almost as challenging as the solo part, and they pulled it off with great ability. Just dealing with the antiphonal aspect in conjunction with the orchestra while keeping with the soloist is admirable. Mr. Corigliano gave Mr. Schultz a warm embrace in appreciation for his stunning performance. It is curious that the audience did not take this very clear sign to give Mr. Schultz the ovation he so richly deserved. To be sure, there were those who “got it,” but I am going to assume the rest were so bowled over as to not know what to do. Bravo, Mr. Schultz, Bravo!"

Read the full review here.